Today has been a good day, but flew past so fast my hair blew! Actually, it was 100 degrees earlier while we were at the cafe. All of a sudden the sky was a lot darker, and the app on my phone said “thunderstorm,” so I headed back home. It rained, but not enough to even test my new windows, so I still don’t know if they will actually keep the rain out and not leak, but this is the first rain we’ve had in several months now.
Brian texted me a few minutes ago, asking if it was okay if he came by with a few things. He brought some medicine we ordered, but ALSO cream-filled-something-or-others that are to die for! We sat right down and scarfed them down like we were starving. Oh! SO GOOD!!!!
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Well, this is the water gun that also shoots LED lights that Harvey wanted me to draw and paint for his wall. I will take it Saturday. I have no clue if he will like it or not, but this is the best I can do.
This is my latest otherwise.
I spent my time at the cafe today creating some thank you cards for Khun Nong’s sister, who will be cleaning both Brian’s and my places every Friday while Khun Nong is gone.
Thanks to my good friend Sheila Murrey we now know that the gorgeous blooming tree I was talking about a couple of days ago is called “Peacock Flower,” “Pride of Barbados,” and “Dwarf Poinciana.” The only thing different out the one I was pointing out is that the center cluster in mine is yellow and the spent flowers are more orange. The tree is stunning and the spent blooms grab my attention each time we pass it. THANK YOU, Sheila.
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My wonderful son treated me to a mani/pedi this morning. Both he and my husband were remarking that I needed work, so this morning was the morning. Now I am sparkly green! I’m still looking for sparkly ‘cyan’ to please my son, but I only saw a pale sparkly blue, not the more turquoise shade I was looking for. Anyway, I’ve never had this color before, so I’m grinning from ear to ear as I share my ‘elegance.’ We’ll show Harvey Saturday.
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We are planning to spend time at the cafe today, and I’ll try to get started on the sketch for the water gun that also shoots LED lights that Harvey expressed interest in to go on his wall. I’m REALLY out of my comfort zone on this, but I’ll just do the best I can and hope for the best. I’m supposed to take it to him Saturday.
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These are my two latest sketches.
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Can you see the Cheetah? Oh, come on, you can if you look carefully. Look on the left side of the photo toward the bottom, and you can see the tip of his foot. That’s the ONLY part of him that is anywhere on the border of the puzzle. Needs work, I know…. hahahahahahahah 🧩 😂
Bamboo Garden Yoga
Today is yoga stretches. I’m looking forward to a nice long session where I can loosen everything up.
I am having a good day. I was able to increase my speed just a tad on the treadmill this morning and didn’t notice any difference! I will do my water bottle exercises after I finish this post.
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We visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home this morning. Mostly it was pretty good. I got the idea of having him choose a water gun that also shoots LED lights, as he expressed interest in that the last time we were there, because I thought he might get a kick out of having a sketch and painting of it on his wall. He chose one he liked, and it will be a real challenge for me. I’ll do the best I can and hope he likes it…
The visit was heartbreaking at the end because he was asking about a pair of blue shorts and later about a wheelchair. He wanted to come home with us. The list of why that isn’t possible would fill a book, and we glossed over it as best we could, but the fact remains we simply can’t do it. He said he was comfortable and seemed glad to see us. 🥺
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Brian and I spent some time at the cafe. I did a sketch for Father’s Day that I’ll paint later, and I’ll get started on the water gun tomorrow, since he wants me to bring it on Saturday. No pressure….
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Brian took more pictures of the turtle puzzle. I took it apart today and put it out for adoption this afternoon. I opened the box and the Cheetah isn’t muffled anymore. The image of it is so good it looks like it should roar! I’ll start it soon.
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My SIL is having a much-needed, much-earned time at the beach this week. You and I are the recipients of a wonderful virtual vacation because of her generosity in sending photos. I’m sharing three with you today of the fact that she can enjoy views of the sunrise AND the sunset from this place!
Another flowering tree in Chiang Mai. I have no idea what this one is. The amazing thing about this tree is even when the flowers drop spent to the ground, they are lovely. That’s how I first saw this tree! The blossoms on the ground were bright orange with streaks toward the middle of a beautiful pattern of leaves as if the bloom had opened before falling. Leaves in the center of the spent bloom were bright yellow! You miss the whole thing if you are just looking around. The clusters of blooms are way high up in the trees; so unless you’re looking UP – which I only do when Brian is holding tightly to my hand – or looking down at the ground – as I was, paying attention to places I could trip – you miss it. I’ll try to draw one of the spent blooms and show it to you.
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My glorious turtle puzzle is FINISHED!!!!!!!! 🎉 🥳 🧩. I finished him this morning. Brian has taken a picture of the finished puzzle and will order a glass print of it, the way he has done for the previous ones so that I can display his gorgeous face on my statement shelf. I’m going to leave him up for a couple of days so I can enjoy running my hands over him before taking him apart, bagging him up, and giving him to someone else who will enjoy putting him together again.
The Cheetah’s voice is getting a bit louder as he calls to me, but he’s still muffled inside his box…
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I tried out my Google Translate app on my phone at the cafe yesterday. I wrote, “You are a good water fighter. I had fun. Thank you” and showed it to my favorite server who had thoroughly drenched me in Songkran two nights running. He read it, then broke out into a HUGE smile and bowed. a few minutes he was back, asking me to read HIS phone. He said, “You are good, too, Auntie.” This again shows how NICE the Thai people are. I’m really happy the app worked!!!
This is another of the gorgeous flowering trees that are blooming profusely everywhere now, even with 101 degree temperatures and no rain. All this beauty makes my soul smile.
Shout-outs to 3 of my favorite people:
Shout-out to Cathy, who has been very ill, but is getting better now. 🙏🏻
Shout-out to Nora, who is trying to get ready to leave her long-time home.
Shout-out to Mary Lou, who will hopefully be on her way to the beach tomorrow for some much-deserved relaxation time!
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This is my latest “Thai Street Scene” painted sketch of a balcony with windows below. I love the basic design of the building, the elegance of the balcony and the windows, once pristine black and white, and now with a fascinating design of mold adding character. I love the fact that plants in all shapes and flavors are an integral part of each place I see.
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My SIL suggested that I get one of the free language translator apps on my phone to help in situations where I’m resorting to pantomimes and sign language. :0). There were so many listed, I took my phone to Brian and asked for his recommendation. He uses Google Translate, and installed that on my phone for me, setting it for translation from English to Thai. I can type in what I want to say, or say it with the use of the microphone, and it will print it out in English for me and Thai for the person with whom I’m trying to communicate – another tool in my arsenal. Sometimes a good photo is all that is needed, as in the case with the Songkran bowl ceremony and the nursing home staff honoring my husband in that way. I feel good, though, having this translator on my phone that will help me if I need it!
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We have a quiet day today. Brian and I will probably end up at the cafe at least part of the afternoon. Brian has started going over, checking to see if my spot is available, then texting me. I love it!!! I am finding lots of things I want to sketch. I’ll try to paint at least one of them today, plus work on my turtle puzzle.
This is a yellow wisteria – one of the many flowering trees in bloom right now.
Today was a pretty busy day. We went to the gym, shared breakfast, then went to see Harvey at the nursing home. It was a pretty good visit. Brian had redone the ‘reward’ poster, listing 3 things that Harvey thinks we brought here but have ‘been stolen’ at the nursing home. Brian made two copies of the poster. We put one on the outside of the door to his room and replaced the other one on his happy wall. He calmed down when we did this. Afterwards, Brian told me that the poster clearly states in Thai that these things ‘have not gone missing’ and thanks the staff for their patience. :0)
Harvey also stated that if we had gotten him the Galaxy 26 phone he wants, he would have called me Thursday when they had him up in the wheelchair for the Songkran bowl ceremony and told us to “come get him.” I am SO glad he doesn’t have a phone, although I don’t think he could enter the pin to get it to open…
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We have just come home from spending time at the cafe. I did some sketching, and I finished the latest in my series of ‘Thai Street Scenes’ that I have been trying to do, showing my take on the flavor of things I see that I find fascinating and wonderful in Chiang Mai.
This is a balcony with some windows below. It was once pristine white, but has since been pretty covered with the mold that covers a lot of things here. I love the dignity of the design, the plants that decorate everything here, and even the design of the mold that adds character…
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I’m closing in on finishing the turtle jigsaw puzzle. I’m down to the super hard part, where all the background pieces are essentially the same color with few distinguishing characteristics. I’m plodding through, though, because the turtle is truly gorgeous. I’m looking forward to showing you the finished puzzle and running my hands over it. Also, the cheetah puzzle came two days ago and I can HEAR it calling me, although its voice is muffled inside the box. :0)
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Our regular food places are still closed. We’re hoping they will reopen Monday. Brian is having a harder time finding things to be delivered, but he’s doing a fine job. By the way, I’m two pounds away now fromf my final weight goal. I may reach it this month!!!!
This is a sad part of Songkran. People showing really poor judgment get out in the already challenging traffic here while intoxicated, causing trouble for everyone, injuries, and even fatalities. The last number I saw was that 154 people lost their lives.
Drunk driving accounted for 3,726 cases recorded during the 2026 Songkran Festival, with Chiang Mai reporting the highest number, according to Thailand’s Department of Probation.
As of April 16, 2026, Chiang Mai has reported among the highest, if not the top, number of drunk driving cases in Thailand during the 7-day Songkran “dangerous days” campaign. While overall national accident rates decreased, high-speed and intoxicated driving remain the primary causes of fatalities in Chiang Mai.
2026 Summary: Chiang Mai topped the national list for drunk driving cases during the 2026 Songkran Festival.
Safety Record: Despite the high incidence of drunk driving, the province generally remains among the top provinces for both total accidents and fatalities, alongside Bangkok.
Key Risks: The highest numbers of injuries and fatalities are usually reported among individuals aged 20–39, particularly on local, rural roads.
• • Main Causes: Speeding and drinking, particularly while riding motorcycles, are the leading causes of death in Chiang Mai and nationwide.
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BUT HERE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING –
Daily Sabah
The Songkran water bowl tradition for elderly, known as Rod Nam Dam Hua, is a deeply meaningful ceremony where younger generations gently pour scented water over the palms of elders’ hands to show respect, ask for blessings, and seek forgiveness. Held on April 15th, it signifies washing away misfortune and welcoming prosperity.
Key Aspects of the Tradition:
The Ritual: Participants use small bowls containing water mixed with fragrant flowers (like jasmine) and sometimes traditional perfume (Nam Ob).
Action: Younger people bow and pour the water over the palms of the elderly, often accompanied by offering garlands or new clothes.
Significance: It symbolizes cleansing, gratitude, and filial piety. It is a time for family reconciliation and honor.
Blessings: Elders, in turn, provide words of wisdom, advice, and blessings for the coming new year.
Modern Adaptation: While historically it involved washing hair and feet, it is now commonly done on the hands, often held at family gatherings, local communities, or the La Green Hotel & Residence and other community events to ensure the tradition continues, as seen in this YouTube video.
This ceremony is considered the “true” heart of the Songkran festival, setting it apart from the modern, chaotic water fights.
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One additional reason I’m talking about this beautiful tradition is that the nursing home sent us pictures of my husband, Harvey, receiving this gift from the staff! They had gotten him up in a wheelchair (it takes 3 now to do this) and brought him to a common room. He was wearing a different real flower necklace and had the bowl in his lap. The staff was on the floor around him, pouring the scented water over his hands. He looked quite calm and almost touched in a couple of the photos. I can’t say enough about the loving and caring atmosphere here. Harvey is receiving the best of care and SO MUCH MORE from these wonderful people. Happy Songkran!!!!
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Things have not returned to normal for us yet. Khun Nong, our housekeeper, is away for an extended vacation. Her sister, Khun Bpawm, will clean for us until Khun Nong returns. That starts today. Brian’s usual day is Tuesday and mine Friday. Until Khun Nong returns, both of our places will be cleaned today. Brian will come to my place to work while I get my massage this morning, and then we will get out of the way, but earlier than usual, and go to the cafe this afternoon so my place can be cleaned. Our food is still different, but we ate another Chinese dish last night and an all meat breakfast this morning.
This is my newest Chiang Mai Street Scene painted sketch. I’m trying to catch the wonderful ‘flavor’ of the shops. I hope you can feel how inviting it is to walk up, see what’s cooking in the big vats and skillets, and choose what you would like, in this case taking it home. In others, you sit at a table that is part of the shop.
I had a wonderful time yesterday evening at the last of the Songkran water fights. I found my favorite server at the cafe. This time he had a long tube of a gun. I will forever admire a good choice of weapon and the expertise to use it skillfully. He soaked me from head to toe, both of us laughing like loons, him being declared clearly the winner of the battle, though I got him good several times. I found my friends from the evening before. One of them gave me a necklace that had stickers of Disney characters on it.
My necklace is now hanging on a light switch and I hung my water gun on the wall. It is now ‘hors de combat’ – its pump having died quite early in the fight last night. Thankfully, one of our friends had a bunch of guns, knowing they last a very short time, and loaned me one to use. I’m really glad I participated this year. I will have wonderful memories to make me smile for a long, long time.
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IrishTimes.com
It was back to routine as much as possible for us this morning. We went to the gym and I walked my mile on the treadmill. This afternoon I’ll do exercises with my water bottles. Brian and I may decide to get outside and go to the cafe this afternooon, as well.
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I had quite a lot of laundry to catch up on due to Songkran, and that is out on my balcony drying as I type. Things dry really quickly and thoroughly this time of the year, even though my balcony doesn’t get a lot of direct sun.
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Brian really made me proud of him this morning. When we returned from the gym, he took the time to find the lady who religiously sweeps our street every day. She may be as old as I am (I’m a very poor judge of Thai people’s ages, though.) We have said ‘hi’ to her before as we pass. She is extremely hard working. He spoke to her to get her attention, and then he told her he had a gift for her. He gave her a blank envelope with a card inside, bowing and holding it in both hands to hand it to her. She looked very surprised. Inside was some money to thank her for the hard work she does, but particularly during Songkran when people are pretty messy. She saw what was inside, her eyes teared up, and we all bowed to each other. I’m so pleased that Brian takes nothing for granted, appreciates what people do, and wants to show that many Americans are nice people. :0) One proud mama.
My son, Brian, continues to be the resident curmudgeon about the Songkran New Year’s celebration. The photo below gives you a bit of the flavor of the water fights part of the celebration. Truckloads of people, plus motorcyclists, bicyclists, tuk-tuks, and pedestrians fill the streets. People on both sides of the street, plus the people in or on the vehicles are armed, as well. As people pass each other, water goes everywhere, shot out of guns, thrown by the bucketful… Laughter and screams fill the streets and wide smiles are everywhere.
Watching it from my window wasn’t enough. I just bought the water gun above and will fill it before I go down to my spot late this afternoon. I already caused a bit of a stir. The ladies in the 7-11 seemed surprised that this old lady was buying a water gun. Then, when I went to check my mail, one of the ladies in the office had a water gun in her hand (not ready to shoot it), I held up my gun and she and the man in the office stopped in their tracks and then laughed. It’ll be interesting to see if the ‘rule’ about not shooting ‘the elderly’ still applies if an old lady is shooting at YOU… 😁
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Brian and I braved the elements this morning and visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home this morning without incident. He seemed down or tired, but perked up during the visit. His new signal that he’s had enough is to use the remote to laboriously turn on the TV. The nursing home staff gave Brian and me one of these beautiful real flower necklaces as a gift for Songkran!
Today is the official start of Songkran, or celebration of the Thai new year. Things ACTUALLY started yesterday afternoon, with overflowing streets. a float type vehicle with people playing music and dancing, and of COURSE people lining the street hosing down everyone in sight with water guns and buckets, and having a wonderful time.
Our son is the resident fuddyduddy, not having the least interest in even watching the celebration. I’ll try to get some pictures to share with you.
Our gym is closed, so I’ll add some dancing to my yoga stetches today to make up for my not walking my mile this morning. Our cafe is closed, as well, so I’ll so my painting here today and wait for Thursday or Friday to do more sketching in my favorite spot. I did a bunch of laundry in my bucket in the sink yesterday and today because the laundries are closed, as well. All is drying on my drying rack on my cute little balcony.
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This is my latest painted sketch. I’m looking forward to spending a good amount of time in my art alcove over the next three days.
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Brian will decide tonight or tomorrow if he thinks it’s safe enough for us to try to go visit Harvey tomorrow, or if we should wait until Thursday. He says this celebration is sadly the most deadly week for the inhabitants and foreigners of the year, mainly due to the effects of drunk driving, and particularly to motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
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The lovely turtle is finally coming out of hiding! It’s still really slow going, but it’s exciting to watch his beautiful face emerge.
Yesterday I had two interactions that are still touching me and making me smile. The first was with one of the wonderful housekeeping ladies for the building. She came around the corner while I was sitting waiting for Brian to come down and us to go visit Harvey. She pointed up and I nodded that I was waiting for Brian and we were going out, but I bogged down when I couldn’t explain “husband,” “Brian’s dad,” “nursing home.” I finally got out my phone and showed her a picture of Harvey in his bed with his nasal tube. She looked at it, and then watched me hug it, and then I pointed to my wedding band. THAT got it. She smiled, hugged me, and then pointed to Harvey’s picture. She then used her hands to make her self smile. I pointed to Harvey again. She understood. She was hugging me when the elevator door opened. Brian looked surprised then showed her a big smile.
The other interaction was with my favorite server at the cafe. He brought his phone over and showed it to me. He wanted to know what I was planning to do for Songkran – I looked at him, mimed shooting a water cannon, then put my hands up in a ‘no’ gesture, then put my hands over my head and crouched down. That made him laugh. He is obviously looking forward to the festivities.
We will go to the cafe this afternoon, but probaby not again until Thursday. Lots of places will be closed for the holiday, including our gym and probably the cafe, so we have stocked up a bit and don’t plan to go out. We are still considering if we might be able to go visit Harvey Tuesday or not. There are two humongous water barrels in front of our condo which will be filled with water for people to ‘reload’.
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I’ve been enjoying trying to draw more difficult things lately. I don’t know if I will be successful or not, but I’m giving it a try. I will have lots to paint in the coming days, so I’m really looking forward to that.
Also my turtle puzzle is coming along, though his gorgeous eyes and head are still hiding.
I’m also going to enjoy a book on my Kindle, listening to music on my headphones, adding dancing to my exercises, and researching more things to show you on the blog.
I hope that spring has finally sprung where you are and that you’re able to enjoy more time outside.
We went to visit my husband in the nursing home this morning. This was not one of the better visits, so when we got home. we regrouped and went over to the cafe. I relaxed, drank a mocha, and did some sketching. I’m now back home, trying catch up for the day.
We have one more day before we will be in self-imposed hibernation due to the celebration of Songkran here Monday through Wednesday of next week. (More about Songkran in another post) We are finishing stockpiling supplies so that we don’t have to go out after tomorrow, except for the gym, which we’re hoping is early enough to avoid a problem.
It’s officially 100 degrees here this afternoon – due to get to 101. The Chiang Mai Air Pollution Real Time index says it’s in the unhealthy range, so the windows have remained close and my a/c off an on, with fans to get a comfortable temperature in my place.
I’m officially at 50.90 kgs this morning (112.215 lbs.) this morning, so almost to my goal of 110. I’m within the ballpark of where I want to be, so I’m just watching my portions, rather than worrying about carbs, fats, or anything else. My eyeballs are floating with all the water I’m drinking, and I’m exercising every afternoon in addition to walking at the gym each morning. Brian says he notices that I’m stronger and steadier at little things, such as being able to stand still in the hot while we’re waiting for our Grab to arrive to take us someplace.
I got a laugh yesterday out of the alternate massage therapist, Khun Sulee, after she finished getting all the kinks out of me. I showed her this picture –
I put the phone beside my face and then pointed from the phone to me and back, then pointed to my legs and back. She finally got it and we both laughed. The resemblence is pretty amazing, except I’m not as cute.
An example of the wonderful flowering bushes around here!
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The day got away from me, so I’m writing my blog posts late today.
Today we did our gym session, I had a glorious massage, and then we did some stocking up for the Festival that starts Monday (more on that tomorrow) and spent the afternoon at the cafe – with me sketching and reading, and watching the traffic. We just finished sharing dinner.
We will visit Harvey tomorrow. I hope that we can brighten his day.
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Starting next week, Khun Nong, my wonderful housekeeper, will go home for a visit. She contacted Brian this past week, asking if it were okay if her sister took her place on cleaning until she returns. Brian answered that if she trusts her sister, we will, too.
I already shared with you that Brian insisted I take the flowers she left for Brian Tuesday to my place.
This is what she left today –
She saved the flowers that were still good from Brian’s bouquet.
She started a new plant and left it in my art alcove.
And this was on my dining area table.
Needless to say, my place was also spotless. The woman is absolutely amazing. I am SO, SO spoiled now. I have never had help in the house before and to have this be my introduction to what a truly first class housekeeper does is beyond words. I’m simply speechless and so grateful.
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I mainly did sketching today, but I hope to be able to share a new painted sketch with you tomorrow.
We’re planning to spend some time at the cafe today, so this afternoon will be nice, as well.
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Brian just ordered this new puzzle for me today! I think this Cheetah is stunning and I love the way he stands out from the background.
I’m finally making enough progress now that I’ve decided I WILL live long enough to finish the gorgeous turtle puzzle, though he’s still being coy about emerging, and would like to have another puzzle I’m excited about waiting in the wings.
If you’ll look carefully, the part in the low center that looks like someone lost their dinner is actually the stomach of the beautiful turtle – anchored by his foot between the red fish and the blue fish. His beautiful head will probably be the last thing to show itself…
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pattaya.holidayinn.com
Brian and I are stocking up on supplies a bit for the Songkran Celebration next week. It’s the 13-15th (this coming Monday through Wednesday) and is Thailand’s largest celebration of the year, proclaiming a new year, washing away of bad luck, bringing new luck for the coming year. They are selling machine gun looking water guns and the young people are all gearing up to hose anything that moves outside if they haven’t already dumped a bucket of water on the people below.
There are 4 classes of humans who are NOT supposed to get hosed: monks, old people, babies, and pregnant women. Tourists, just out to have fun, routinely ignore rules, and some who DO know the rules simply get caught up and ‘forget.’ We plan to keep a very low profile, going out as little as possible through the middle of the week, although we will try to get to the gym and we will plan to visit Harvey at the nursing home on Tuesday. Maybe I can see something out my window…
This is my latest painted sketch. I tried to get the ‘flavor’ of the concrete power pole plus all the power and Internet lines. I’m so in awe of the ingenuity of the Thai people for figuring out a system that would work for them in this huge, growing city with constantly changing needs, repairs, new lines or additions needed, etc. I o got to watch a power crew working one day. Some men were on the ground. Others were in the back of a pickup truck, climbing a bamboo ladder from the bed. They had minimal tool belts, passing equipment and tools from man to man up and down while they CAREFULLY did whatever they were doing. To say it’s a dangerous job is an understatement. To do it routinely in the middle of heavy traffic with people walking all over the place is simply mind boggling.
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training/smashrun.com
We had an amazing sight last night. I had just gotten to my place after sharing dinner with Brian and he texted me to “look out the window.’ I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say there were 75 to 100 runners in black and white running gear running down the street. Bri thinks they were doing it to advertise something, but we don’t really know. I watched the group run past for at least 5 minutes before the incredible sight finished.
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This is one part of the Koi Pond that I visit on a regular basis to talk to ‘my’ fish. I think they are spectacular. The ‘pond’ is in an out-of-the-way strip or center. It is covered and there are chairs and tables. Someone takes meticulous care of the fish, the pond, and the surroundings. Brian and I think the largest fish are about 24 inches long by 5 or 6 inches across. There are babies in there, as well. It seems to ME that each one of the fish is different. It’s shady and quiet there. A perfect spot to drink in the beauty of Chiang Mai and relax.
This is one of the several real mosaic tables here. Isn’t it wonderful!
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We visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home today. He was more coherent than he is many times. He looked at my painting of the power lines and said they should sag more. I told him I loved him and he said, “I want a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra phone.” I mumbled something and we went on. He can’t control the remote on the TV. He can’t use a phone, has bad Parkinson’s Disease, doesn’t know where he is, doesn’t know our phone number. He wants it so that when he thinks of something, he can call or text me. He wants to order things from Amazon. OH GOOOOOOD!!!!!!! Other than that, we had a pretty good visit today.
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Today our wonderful housekeeper cleans at Brian’s place, so he will head to the cafe. We’ve started a new thing the past few days. He texts me when he gets to the cafe and then I usually join him, grabbing my art bag so I can sketch. I like this better than him ordering me a mocha and me going downstairs to retrieve it, bringing it back to my place. It gives me a chance to get out more, have the joy of sketching at the cafe – in my favorite spot or not – and a break in my day. We’ll do this today, then bring an ordered dinner up to my place this evening. We use Tuesdays as a day to back up the data on my phone and my computer after we have eaten, and then to just enjoy some good conversation
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My other name should be “Ms. Clutz.” Today at the gym, one of Brian’s friends passed by the window as we were walking on our treadmills. I reached up to wave, and hit the back of my hand on the underside of the treadmill handle bars. I thought when I did it, I would have a bruise. What I didn’t realize at first was the treadmill ‘bit’ me. There was something sharp under there that opened my skin enough to bleed quite a bit. We were almost finished with our walk, so I just covered it with a kleenex until we got home. Now Brian is having a field day kidding me about punching out inanimate objects….
HAPPY EASTER! I hope you had a beautiful celebration.
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It’s Monday here, so Brian and I have been to the gym, 💪🏻 shared breakfast 🍳 and taken my clothes 🧺 to an alternate laundry because our regular place is closed.
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Pond5
We have a quiet day. I’m going to TRY to get over my intimidation about starting the 2nd Thai street sketch today. The focus is going to be the power poles and power lines that make everything work here. If I can get the pole halfway right, then I think I can do the sketch….
Yesterday I joined Brian at the cafe when he texted me he was working there. Being the incredibly nice man that he is, he put his backpack in my spot to ‘reserve’ it while he met me and made sure I got there all right. So I got to watch the traffic that simply awes me, saw lots of pretty women in big hats to ward off the sun, and galked at the amazing traffic that everyone takes for granted here while drinking a delicious iced mocha and sketching.
He mentioned he might work there again some this afternoon. I’m hoping he texts me and invites me to join him again. ✍🏼
Animal Wellness Magazine
I have my yoga mat set up so that when I finish this first post, I’ll do my stretching like a good girl 👍 👏🏻
I wish you a beautiful Easter – whether you are celebrating today, as we are hear in Thailand, or whether this is ‘early’ and you will. be celebrating tomorrow.
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Easter is not widely celebrated in Thailand, since most of the people are Buddhist. I am full of wonderful memories of celebrating Easter as I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I particularly remember getting some new, fancier clothes to wear to church. One year stands out in particular. My mom got me a pale pink angora sweater and a skirt that was tweed, bringing out the same pink contrasted with a pale grey. I felt like an angel in that outfit!
I loved the Easter church service, as well. We children would walk down the center aisle singing a hymn. When we reached the front, we would fan out and sing a second hymn, and then file out again with a third. We felt like such a special part of the celebration to be included that way. There was an organist who played every Sunday. My heart would fill when I heard her play. And then we all settled to listen to the sermon. Our minister had a deep, resonant voice that simply filled the room, making you want to hear every word. He kept his sermons simple, real, and everyone recognized the truth and wisdom he spoke. I can still hear his voice as he ended each sermon, his voice almost making the walls expand in the huge space, the sanctuary filled to the brim with listeners, saying, “AMEN!” The music would fill the room again as we all filed out, hoping to get one more word with him as we thanked him for his sermon. Such a beautiful, beautiful memory.
This church is in Tulsa. My Harvey and I were married in this church by that same minister. He performed our daughter’s funeral. Our daughter’s ashes are spread in the memorial garden to the side of the church where roses bloom in profusion much of the year. He performed the funerals of my mother and father. The minister is gone now, but he will have a special place in my heart forever.
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Wakefieldpetvet.com
I opted out of going to the gym this morning. I didn’t sleep well, had a bad charley-horse last night, and my blood pressure and blood oxygen readings were low this morning for some unknown reason. I texted Brian, slept an hour more, shared a delicious breakfast with him, and now feel fine. We are planning to meet at the cafe this afternoon, just to get out a bit. He’ll work on his computer and I’ll take my art bag so I can sketch.
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The only adverse effects I’m having from the air pollution “Hot and Hazy” season here so far is that my eyes are irritated and very dry. Yesterday Brian found some good eyedrops that are really helping. So I put in a couple of drops in each eye several times a day and I’m good to go!
We went to visit Harvey today. I put the Easter Bunny up on “Harvey’s Happy Wall” to remind him that we love him and think of him whether we are there with him or not.
He was a bit down today, but mostly made sense. We texted the manager after we left that Harvey was upset at all the sticking of his fingers for blood sugar tests. When we were in Arkansas we tested our blood twice a week because Harvey had diabetes (Type II) though he wouldn’t admit it, and I was pre-diabetic. He would have to stick his fingers two or three times because we couldn’t get enough blood to do the test. We had to tell the manager today that he was threatening to hurt the next person who tried to ‘torture’ him. She agreed to change the monitoring to once a week. Fingers crossed. Brian ordered French fries to be delivered this afternoon. We told him so he would have something to look forward to. Brian and I stopped for chocolate on the way home.
Update: the nursing home just sent Brian a video of Harvey enjoying his French fries. From his plate, it looks like the store sent him a note and a cookie extra. 😁
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Yesterday we spent much of the afternoon at the cafe to stay out of Khun Nong’s (my housekeeper’s ) way while she cleaned. I lucked out and got my preferred seat at the cafe by the front window. When my favorite server brought my mocha, I pointed to my art backpack – with the pouch he gave me for Christmas hanging from the clip on one side. I have used the pouch ever since he gave it to me, but he may not have noticed it lying beside the table. Anyway, his face lit up like a torch. He rushed away, then came back, wanting me to read something on is phone. It said, “I’m glad you liked the gift, Auntie!” and we smiled and bowed to each other. A really happy time for both of us.
While at the cafe, I took some photos that will help me with the new street sketch I want to try. This next one I want to emphasize the electrical system of power lines they have here. As with the first sketch, this one will take me quite a while to do…
Today would have been my parents’ 85th wedding anniversary. My dad, who had an amazing sense of humor, wanted to get married on April Fool’s Day. My mom looked him in the eye and said, “I’m not foolin’.” They married in Chicago in 1941, had my brother and me, moved to Levittown NY. My dad had a chance to do the advertising for a company in Tulsa, Oklahoma when I was 5. We moved to Tulsa in 1952 when there was almost nothing there yet. I lived in the home they had built until Harvey and I got married in 1969. My dad had started a one-man advertising agency with my mom acting as an unpaid ‘do-everything-else-but-write-and-record-the-radio-ads’ person -ads that won The Silver Addy Award for Lifetime Achievement from the advertising community. They made a mark.
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This is my latest painted sketch.
I am now using one of the small backpacks we used to move here as my ‘Friday Pack.’ Every week I have crammed my carrier/tote full of what I needed for our afternoons at the cafe while Khun Nong cleans my place. I carried what wouldn’t fit in my carrier, trying not to drop or lose anything.
I had a “Duh!” moment when I figured out I could use the backpack, putting everything in it I wanted for Fridays at the cafe and just keep it packed. I’ve been working out of it this week and it’s working well. When we leave, I’ll just zip it up and carry it and my tote to the cafe! Sometimes it amazes me how long it takes me to figure out a solution to a ‘problem-I-didn’t-realize-I-had.’
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This is the reading of the air pollution index here now.
Yesterday it got my attention because the reading was 216 – into the ‘very unhealthy’ range. It has only been that high for that one day so far. I’ll just monitor things, keeping my windows closed and my air filters and a/c on.
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Pet Nurture
I got a massage this morning. Ahhhhhh! My regular therapist was back! With the magic of pantomime and determination, I figured out that Khun Weaw’s place was being remodeled, so she had to move EVERYTHING out, have the remodeling done, and then move EVERYTHING back in again. A lot of work!
She again mentioned my weight loss. I was able to show her the numbers on the calculator on my phone and pantomime, doctor/keeping my mouth shut/ and exercising.
I hugged her, and the nice lady, Khun Sulee, who substituted for her, today, thanking them for taking such good care of me.
My throwing the windows open to the wonderful breezes has come to a pause at least until the end of April, if not more. My air filters are already reading higher than normal with the windows closed, so they are having to work harder than they have been. The Chiang Mail Air Pollution Real Time Index says, “176-unhealthy” – with 200 being “very unhealthy.” So windows closed, air filters and a/c on. We will go out as little as possible during the worst of it each day.
Brian opted out of the gym this morning. That made me feel better, as I was up, dressed, and ready for the gym when he texted me. I’m not the ONLY one having to opt out from time to time. He is fine. He has been working very hard at his computer lately and I think it caught up with him. We shared breakfast as usual and will see each other again later today.
I went ahead and did my water bottle exercises this morning after breakfast. I have my yoga mat set up for a nice, long, slow, yoga-stretches session later this morning or this afternoon.
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This is Khun Nong’s card for tomorrow. People in Thailand don’t celebrate “Easter” as such – just the kids hunting for Easter eggs part.
I’m doing my normal Thursday prep for her to come tomorrow. I’ve made the bed with fresh sheets, put out fresh towels and gathered the trash.
We will take this for “Harvey’s Happy Wall” at the nursing home when we visit Saturday
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I’m having a happy time trying to sketch what I call a slice of a Thai street that combines many of the things I like about the creativity, color, and effort to preserve trees here. The sketch is the best I can do right now, so I’ll paint it and see if it’s okay.
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Walmart
The other day on a walk, Brian and I saw the most wonderful thing – big garbage trucks go by pretty constantly to keep up with everything, and a group of a bunch of young boys are hanging on the back of each, jumping down the minute the truck stops, grabbing bags, throwing them into the back, then scrambling up onto to the truck for it to continue to the next stop.
When a truck stopped, we just idly watched the boys jump off, but suddenly there were bubbles flowing everywhere! A boy had a bubble stick. When he saw us, he waved the stick, starting the beautiful sight, grinning at us as he did it again before he lost his spot on the truck. I’m so happy that he could make his job a happier one. What a delightful moment for all of us!
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This little bear is sitting to the left of my computer monitor as I type One of my good friends suggested that I take care to bring ONE completely frivolous thing that I loved with me as we packed our ‘one-suitcase-and-one-backpack’ each to move to Thailand. I took her advice and brought this sweet bear I have had for years and years. It fits nicely in my double hands, softly furry, articulated so his arms and legs can be positioned, looking at me with his big, all-knowing eyes and allowing me to rub his pudgy belly. This has been a life-saver for me, quietly calming me down when I need it. I highly recommend this idea to anyone suddenly down-sizing, going on a long trip, or changing lifestyles in any way.
I opted out of going to the gym this morning. I got up and dressed as usual, but I didn’t sleep well last night for some reason and just felt ‘off,’ so I texted Brian and set my alarm, crawled under my throw on the couch and zonked out. ONE SECOND LATER, the alarm went off, showing me an hour had passed and it was time to get ready to share breakfast with Brian.
It’s very hazy outside and the air pollution website is saying it’s in the ‘unhealthy’ region, so we will stay inside, safe with our air filters and a/c for the day.
I will take it even easier than usual (is that even POSSIBLE? 😜 🤪 😂) and enjoy my day.
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Brian was unimpressed, but if you look just between the red fish and the blue fish in the lower center, just below the red fish’s mouth, you will see a tan/brown circular type shape. THAT IS THE MAJOR TURTLE’S FOOT!!!!!
In the upper right, just below the fish in the corner, you will see ‘THE EDGE OF HIS OPPOSITE ARM!!!!! These are the ONLY two spots the main focus of this puzzle is showing, but I’m excited that he is finally emerging.
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iStock
I’m trying to get started on a sketch totally outside my comfort zone today. I’m going to be TRYING to show the flavor of some of the shops in Chiang Mai, hoping to capture the creativity, uniqueness of them. Wish me luck. This will take me some time. I’ll probably switch to easier things and opt for doing something fun in the meantime – then going back to add a bit to the more serious sketch…
I love the feelings this creates in me. Calming and dreamy.
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I painted 4 thank you cards for my housekeeper, Khun Nong, yesterday. My son and I talked about my doing this last night as we shared dinner. He thinks it’s a bit ‘weird’ that I leave a card for her each week, but added that he thought it was probably something she thought was nice. I told him that I don’t care if they all wind up in her trash can when she gets home. I just want her to know that I appreciate what she does for me each week and don’t take it for granted.
I have a sketch rattling around in my head today that I’m going to try to get started on this afternoon. It is totally outside my ‘comfort zone,’ but we’ll see what happens.
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Today’s visit to my husband at the nursing home was a bust. He was tired and not inclined to talk. He wanted to watch TV. We held his hands and did that. He watched with great attention although he doesn’t speak a word of Thai. When I kissed his head on leaving, he leaned into me and said, “Thanks for coming.” That lean and the 5 seconds made the trip worth it.
This is another sample of the beautiful flowering trees in Chiang Mai. I don’t know what it is, but the vibrant color of the blossoms that had fallen took my breath away. I had to stop and take a picture.
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I talked to my good friend, Carla a couple of days ago. She had the really difficult job of telling me that Jet (aka Monster Cat) whom she adopted when we were moving to Thailand, had died. I’m sad, of course, but more filled with gratitude and love for Carla, who provided a wonderful home with lots of care and love for Jet, although Jet made it difficult at first. What greater gift could a friend give than to take the worry of finding a good home for her cat out of the picture? Jet won the lottery on family and home with Carla. RIP Jet.
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My latest painted sketch. I also drew 4 thank you cards for my housekeeper, Khun Nong, and will start painting them today.
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I’m closed up in my condo today, due to air pollution index in the ‘unhealthy’ range and my air filters already showing elevated readings. I also had a loud PING!!!! alert on my phone, alerting me to the PM2.5 status of the air quality. I’m am so happy that I have good windows that seal well now, good air filters, and my a/c is working. HOORAAAAAY!
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I will enjoy writing blog posts, working on my jigsaw puzzle, painting, and whatever else occurs to me to dive into today. I hope your day has been a stellar one, too!
I did my mile at the gym, ate breakfast with Brian, put my wash out on the drying rack on my balcony, and have been at the computer, catching up on email and doing a bit of research.
It’s hazy this morning, so my windows are closed and air filters on, but it’s light enough to flood my little condo with light and lift my spirits. I plan to at least start painting one of my sketches today and work on my puzzle. (I’m finally making more progress.)
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Shout outs to Cathy and Nora today. They are both in tough situations. I’m sending my thoughts and prayers.
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I can’t tell you what a thrill it is to be able to walk into a store, be able to choose clothes you HOPE might be big enough, find they ARE – some even TOO big – and walk out of the store with some new clothes.
I’m grateful to Walmart for allowing me to cover my lard for several years, always having things that I KNEW would cover me. I’m even MORE grateful, now that I have lost 93 pounds, not to have to buy my clothes there now. I’m still “covering up” – though in much smaller sizes – but now because a Shar Pei dog looks like my sibling now.
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In my current status as ‘much-pampered-lady,’ I will enjoy the mocha that my son, Brian, orders for me when we’re home, rather than out for the day, and I will sip that with a smile as I start painting a sketch…
We visited my husband this morning. Most of the time he didn’t make any sense. We just each held a hand and listened, responding the best way we could. At the end of the visit, he wanted some French fries, so Brian arranged for some to be delivered. While I was kissing him goodbye, he said, “I spend half my days remembering how good our time together has been.” I lost it. Harvey’s nurse kindly sent us a video we saw on our way home, showing him eating the fries and saying they were ‘good.’
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LOSING THE LARD PROGRESS REPORT for March –
Giphy
I am 5’4″ tall (and shrinking). As of this morning, I have lost 93 pounds (down from 205 to 112) and 87.7 inches. I am 2 pounds away from my maintenance weight goal, after over two years of trying.
Kudos go to our son, who has been my gym buddy and who has helped me cut my portions on food intake and who has been my supporter since we moved to Chiang Mai last April. He has taken me to doctor appointments to establish a baseline and helped me with supplements to improve my health. And, with all this, he still manages to treat me to mochas or chocolate drinks in the afternoons to reward my efforts and keep me motivated.
I’m between 19 and 20 on the dreaded BMI chart finally, in the ‘healthy’ range. When I started two years ago, I was in the 35-36 area. ‘obese.’
I’m almost to my weight maintenance goal now. I’m concentrating on continuing to eat right, but not worrying about every morsel that goes into my mouth.
I’m adding to my exercise regimen every time it seems reasonable, trying to add things that will help my efforts to improve my balance issues, increase my strength, stamina and flexibility, and promote relaxation.
Hopefully, by the end of April, I’ll be able to report that my weight loss goal has been met!
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I hope that you are having a stellar day and evening.
I had a wonderful massage this morning. My regular therapist was still gone, but will be back tomorrow, according to Khun Sulee, the therapist who has been taking Khun Weaw’s place the past 3 weeks. I made sure she knew how happy I was that she agreed to do my massage this morning and did such a great job.
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As I told you yesterday, Brian and I have a very busy day today. Once we leave, we won’t be back until dinner time.
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I am trying a supplement and thought I would share it with you. It’s called Beet Root Powder. I may be the last one to the party on this, but I read information on it not long ago and wanted to add it.
Sunshine Market
“Beetroot powder is a nutrient-dense, vibrant red superfood made from dehydrated beets, often used to improve athletic performance, boost circulation, and lower blood pressure. Rich in nitrates, it offers a mild, sweet flavor suitable for smoothies, juices, sauces, and natural food coloring. It is commonly used as a pre-workout supplement or to add nutritional value to meals.”
Key Health Benefits
Boosts Exercise Performance: High nitrate levels can improve oxygen usage, enhancing athletic endurance.
Lowers Blood Pressure: Known to support cardiovascular health and increase blood flow.
Nutrient-Dense: Contains essential micronutrients that support heart and gut health.
Cognitive Support: May aid in increasing blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive performance.
What are the top 10 health benefits of beetroot?
Rich in protective antioxidants. …
May have anti-cancer properties. …
May have anti-inflammatory properties. …
May lower blood pressure. …
May improve exercise performance and support energy levels. …
May improve digestive health. …
May protect the gut.
AND – “MAY” make me look like Julia Roberts!!!!!! 😜
(It didn’t actually SAY that, but with all the OTHER stuff it may do, I’m willing to believe it’s possible…)
I couldn’t find any downside unless you take more than the recommended dosage, so I started it last night.
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This is my latest painted sketch.
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I hope your day and evening is great. Pass the smiles around!
“If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely.” —Roald Dahl
I’ve been getting ready for my housekeeper to come tomorrow – changing the sheets on my bed, gathering trash, getting out fresh towels…
Do you realize what i just said? “Getting ready for my housekeeper to come tomorrow.” What a joy this is. I’ll never even really get USED to it, much less take it for granted. I’ve never been able to afford to have help. All I have to do in my sweet condo now is keep things picked up. “My housekeeper” handles everything else, and she is quite thorough. I’m absolutely thrilled. 🤗
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Lingokids
I’ve been doing a bit of sketching, but I haven’t had a chance to paint any of the sketches yet. I’m hoping to make some time this afternoon.
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I am FINALLY beginning to make a bit of progress on my puzzle! You might notice a small detail – I haven’t even BEGUN to put the big turtle together who lives in the middle of this. He is hiding in a gazillion pieces and I’ll have to work my way to the center before he emerges…
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Tomorrow will be a very busy day.
We go to the gym first thing as usual
Shower and share breakfast
I go for a massage (Ahhhh!)
We go to the big mall to the immigration place to finish renewing Brian’s passport
We may do a bit of shopping at a clothing store we both like after
We will come home – but to Brian’s place – where I have stashed my stuff so we won’t bother Khun Non who will be cleaning my place
We will gather our things to go to the cafe to wait the rest of the time while Khun Nong finishes creating her miracle.
I will sketch, read, hopefully getting my favorite seat where I can watch the traffic
We will go back to Brian’s to share dinner
I will come home. (WHEW!)
I say this because I MAY be able to write a post tomorrow or may not, depending on timing.
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“There comes a day when you’re gonna look around and realize happiness is where you are.” ―Chief Tui, Moana
We are just back from going to see Khun Nan, the lady at the agency who helps us get our visas and handles our 90-day-reporting required in Thailand. Brian said when he first got here, he and his friends had more challenge than they wanted trying to be sure they were legal. The Thai government is really serious about making sure that everyone is here legally. You carry your passport everywhere, having to show it at the doctor’s office, for example, and for other services. Since you never know when it will be required, you carry it all the time.
Brian needs to renew his, and the 3 of us needed to file our 90-day reporting, so Nan busily shuffled papers, made copies, had Brian sign all the paperwork, etc. He paid for everything and we go to the 2nd floor of the big mall this coming Friday afternoon to finish the process. A person from the office will meet us there and get us through whatever is needed.
Brian has some kind of “VIP” visa. I have a “retirement” visa, and Harvey has a “medical” visa. The requirements for each are different. We have to be careful to note when to contact Nan again for an appointment to do whatever comes next. We think she is worth her weight in gold.
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I’m planning to work on my jigsaw puzzle
and do some sketching this afternoon,
One Green Planet
and today is yoga stretches,
plus my Qigong video.
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The pollution index changed fast this morning. I opened my windows when we returned from the gym. When I went up for breakfast, Brian was cautioning me that the index was bad this morning, since his air filters were “complaining” a bit. I came down, closed everything up and turned the filters back on. They shot up to the high 50s. That’s the highest I have seen them. It’s already 93 outside now, so I guess we’re officially into the ‘hot and hazy’ season now. I’m grateful that I have good air filters and an a/c that works now.
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“Remember, you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine.” ―Snow White, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
“Random Funny Memes” – BoredPanda.com – Adelaide May Ross, Mantas Kacerauskas, and Rugile Maityte
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Complete Wellbeing.com
We visited Harvey at the nursing home today. It was the best visit we have had in a long time. He remembered that Brian had arranged for French fries to be delivered to him yesterday. He said he shared them with his nurse. He was telling us that they ‘came in through the window,’ but that was minor compared to the pleasure he experienced. He also told us our visits were the high point of his day. We were really happy that we could brighten his day a bit.
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This is my latest painted sketch. When I finish with my blog posts for the day, I plan to try to do some sketching.
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I decided to bring my family into my condo more by putting their pictures up around the mirror in my bedroom. The pictures had been in an envelope in a drawer, and I decided that this was a quality of life thing for me, something that would make me smile every day. It’s not ‘pretty,’ and “House Beautiful” would probably not approve of the decoration idea, but it’s MY condo and I love it! 😁
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Brian will bring dinner to my place this evening. After we eat, we’ll back up the data on my phone and my computer and then chat – the best part of my day.
Today at the chocolate place I broke Brian up by sneakily giving him back an empty gum packet after we finished our chocolate. I don’t manage to fool him very often, but this is an ongoing thing between us. Today I was successful, and snorted when I saw the look on his face. He threw the little gum packet at me in disgust while I simply lost it. The ladies at the counter had no idea what was going on, but were smiling just because I was laughing so hard.
Today while we were walking, Brian teased me unmercifully about ‘falling over things that weren’t there’ on the sidewalks. I told him huffily that they had a conspiracy going on to trip me on the only spots on the sidewalk that were smooth…
This is the stuff that makes me rich. The fact that Brian and I can enjoy each other every day now is a gift beyond price.
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“Now, think of the happiest things. It’s the same as having wings.” ―Peter Pan, Peter Pan
“Random Funny Memes” – BoredPanda.com – Adelaide May Ross, Mantas Kacerauskas, and Rugile Zemaityte
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My latest painted sketch
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It occurred to me that I hadn’t seen any hummingbirds, and I thought of trying to hang up a feeder on my balcony. I researched and found that hummingbirds are only native to the Americas! There are, however, “Sunbirds” here. One is called an “Olive-Backed Sunbird” and the other is called a “Green-Tailed Sunbird.” They are best seen at high elevations and in local parks. So, my thoughts about a feeder on my deck are not reasonable. 🥲
Olive-Backed Sunbird -BirdGuides
Green-Tailed Sunbird – eBird
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Harvey’s nurse wrote to Brian, saying the French fries were delivered to the nursing home yesterday and that Harvey enjoyed them. We were kind of hoping for a video of him enjoying them, but that didn’t happen. We also don’t know if he connected the fries with the fact he told Brian Saturday he wanted some or thought they had magically fallen out of the sky, but his day was brightened by a kind act by Brian, and that’s priceless.
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ABC Pediatric Therapy
I will try to do some sketching this afternoon. I’m finishing the painting of my last sketch, so I need to get my pencil going. I’m also going to concentrate on trying to make progress on my puzzle. Such a nice afternoon ahead!
“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” ―Dolly Parton
This is one of the many things blooming in Chiang Mai now. I would really love to have one of these in my place. I have NO clue whether it could be happy indoors, whether we can find one for sale or not, or anything, but I’m drooling…
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One of my two latest –
Second of my latest –
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I had my windows open this morning and truly enjoyed the nice breezes. Then it seemed to get ‘stuffy,’ so I closed up, turned on my air filters and my a/c. The Air Pollution Index is now in the ‘unhealthy’ range, so I guess my own body is a good indication of when I should close up now. Thankfully, I have two really good quality air filters and my a/c is working beautifully so I’m a happy camper as I type.
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My research shows that Tai people don’t celebrate Easter, as such, here. Of course, most of them are Buddist. There is a small pocket of people who do celebrate, but they are mostly expats. A few places do things like Easter eggs for the kids, but that’s it. The only real holiday coming soon is Songkran, which occurs in mid April, where people mark the beginning of the new year and the end of the ‘hot and hazy’ season with three days of water gun attacks, splashing, buckets of water poured on you, etc. No ‘cards’ are given. No one says, “Happy Songkran,” you just either participate in being hosed down, or try to avoid it and simply watch from inside, as Brian and I do. There seem to be no more “card giving” occasions, other than the “thank you’s” I do for my housekeeper weekly, and my massage ladies from time to time, until Christmas.
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Newport Daily News
Brian wanted to skip the gym this morning, so I slept more like a normal human being, rather than getting up at 4:30, and we shared breakfast as usual. I’m going to finish this post, and then do my water bottle exercises. I’m also planning to do my yoga stretches later, and later still follow those up with my new Qigong video. These and the stairs I’m using, instead of the elevator coming back from Brian’s place, should round out my exercise for the day. \
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123RF
Harvey’s nurse agreed to monitor, and help, if needed, with the celebrational eating of much-missed French fries this afternoon. The last I heard, the fries were on their way out to the nursing home…
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“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” ―Ben Sweetland
creativeartworksblog 